SOLID is an extension of a classical 2D-laser machine for diamond processing, into a revolutionary 3D-processing tool. It is possible to use SOLID to measure a rough stone (Scanner), to optimise yield (Optimiser), simulate and subsequently execute the process automatically and in three dimensions. All this is integrated in one instrument (Integrated Device).

Integrating a measuring and positioning system to the existing laser processing machine has produced SOLID.

SOLID consists of three major components:

• A standard laser for diamond-processing with special cooling & dust-evaporating system
• A camera for measuring with special lens and background lighting
• Three axes, (index, gradient and height) give the necessary degrees of freedom. During the measurement phase, the index axis is used to rotate the stone. The classical X, Y, Z movements are retained to translate the stone during the measuring and cutting process.

Laser processing offers some important advantages over the classical methods, namely:

• High speed
• Independence of crystallographic directions
• Possibility for material recovery
  

In addition, SOLID adds some substantial features:

• Table, cut and/or block for each diamond shape
• Reduction in time loss
• No inaccurate manual set-ups
• Marking of table, bezels and pavilion facets
• Simple to reuse the existing marking
• Extremely accurate due to measuring and cutting in the same position
• Fully automatic process – with auto load, the unit can work overnight and even over the weekend.